Untouched were at the Weald School, Beare Green, to help promote the anti crime campaign in East Surrey.

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

MUSIC, dance and audience participation marked the Mole Valley launch of a campaign against anti-social behaviour and crime throughout the East Surrey area.

The three-piece girl band Untouched led the hour-long performance at The Weald School, Beare Green, on Monday morning.

In the afternoon they were back in action, this time at The Ashcombe School, Dorking, and again the following morning at Greville School, Ashtead. Altogether, the group were due to visit eight junior schools and one senior school in the course of the week.

Organised by Surrey Crimestoppers, the initiative, entitled It’s Your Call, is designed to get youngsters to think about taking responsibilities for their actions and to show them how to deal with issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs.

Speaking at the launch, Michael Varah, chairman of Surrey Crimestoppers, said if society wanted to turn young people into responsible citizens, it had to show them how.

“It is important for them to understand the consequences of their own behaviour and how it affects others around them,” he added.

“It is also important for them to realise that no-one has to let crime and anti-social behaviour ruin their lives. There is something they can do about it.”

Neighbourhood police Supt Jerry Westerman said the force worked hard to keep the county safe, but officers relied on the support of the public.

“Everyone has a responsibility for keeping their local community free from crime and anti-social behaviour, not only in the way they themselves behave, but also in the way they deal with information they have about offenders. If people are unwilling to talk to the police they can call Crimestoppers anonymously (0800 555111) and pass on what they know without ever having to say who they are. It’s their call that counts.”

At the end of the week-long schools tour, the campaign will be rolled out into the wider community from February 14. Posters and flyers will be distributed throughout the county.

To raise awareness, a vandalised car on a trailer will be at Ashtead railway station at 9.30am on February 14 before moving on to other sites at Caterham and Reigate.